Wireless networking Problem: I have internet access, but I cannot share files or the printer through wireless.

Question

I am unable to share my files or printer, but I am able to share internet access. Any suggestions as to a fix?
I have Windows XP Media Center on my laptop; Windows XP Pro on my desktop, and I have a Linksys wireless G broadband router (WRT54GS ver 6).
It seems to me that there is a firewall or some other security access preventing me from sharing files on both PCs. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for all the advice. I have confirmed that file and printer sharing is set up (I have run the network setup wizard, and have confirmed by going to control panel, windows firewall, and confirmed printer & file sharing box is checked on both computer. I have also confirmed that the work groups are the same, but that the computer names are unique.
I an still unable to view the networked PCs when I check "view workgroup computers" the networked PC is not available and I get an error message on my laptop: "network is not accessible. You might not have permission...

Any other suggestions before I have to pay for support?

Answer 1

Have you add share permissions on the PCs and printer?

Answer 2

In the main computer where the printer is installed, just go to the Printer folder inside of Control Panel. Right click your All in one printer and then Click Sharing. Click on Share this printer in the window that opens and then hit OK.

Get the IP address of your computer, go to Start, Run, type "cmd" enter, type "ipconfig" enter. Write down where it says "Local Area Connection" IP address: "numbers with dots". After this, move to the computer without a printer.

In the other computer, go to Start, Run, type "\\ipaddress\" where ipaddress are the numbers of the 1st computer. When a windows opens asking for a user name and password input those credentials from your computer. If it doesn't ask it will be even better. Now with this command you will open a folder and the printer will be there. Double click the printer and now the 2nd computer will be able to use it.

BTW, both computers have to be in the same WORKGROUP. to check this: Right click My Computer icon on the desktop, go to properties, Computer name tab. There you can see the WORKGROUP name and even change it.

Answer 3

You need to turn on File and Printer Sharing. Open Control Panel. Open Windows Firewall. Windows Firewall dialog box opens, then click on exceptions tab. Click on File and Printer Sharing checkbox. Do this on each computer, especially on the copmuter/labtop that is connected to the printer. On all computers(except the one already connected) you need to connect to the printer via the one connected to it. To share files now, look for the Shared folder on your computer. Place files you wish to share in this folder. On another computer you can now access it.

Answer 4

Your XP professional will allow it, you will have to set it up, and insert the disc.

You have to set up a network, and it takes a lot of patience.

I know you have to use the XP Disc to do it. Use the network wizard, and write down the IP addresses.